Distracted ATC Controller Makes Huge Mistake

[@bertblankenstein3738]

Admitting you made a mistake is always something that gets respect.

[@timwilson7326]

I would say not admitting a mistake takes away respect and admitting one is just neutral that's how every human being should be

[@baseballmomof8]

Touché. “I screwed up” …. We all do!!!!!

[@tonybeam]

Brickyard was kind enough not to ask ATC to take down a number. 😊

[@AshrZ]

@@timwilson7326 Respect everyone until they give you a reason not to

[@bertjesklotepino]

@@tonybeam if they had said it in a joking manner, it would have been the perfect recording. Especially if they kept the ATC guy wondering for just a few moments to then say it was just a joke. These guys already were cool in their heads, all of em, but if the Brickyard guys would have added that joke, it would have made it complete

[@chrisandrew7577]

I love the controller taking responsibility. The world needs more of that.

[@Kaykavoosi]

I think that that would resolve 90% of the problems in the world 🌎

[@74gear]

well not just controllers, we are all human we make mistakes, nothing wrong with eating a little humble pie sometimes thats why I share my mess-ups here cause being humble allows you to keep improving

[@SynthD]

As a supervisor, I’m way more forgiving towards people who admit their mistake and are willing to learn from it than someone who tries to deny it or pass the blame.

[@alex2143]

​@@SynthD yeah, same here. If someone denies it or doesn't take responsibility, I'm gonna continue digging, and make it a horribly painful experience all the while. Because at that moment it's not just about the singular mistake. The fact that someone would deny something or try to avoid taking responsibility means that there could be a whole new layer of all kinds of shit that's flying under the radar. When someone denies or doesn't acknowledge something they clearly messed up, now we don't have one problem but at least two.

[@moiraatkinson]

@@74gear that’s part of why you come across as such a likeable person Kelsey, that and your sense of humour and the way you take life as it comes. Unlike a robot, human beings make mistakes. It’s something the airline industry has learned the hard way, with many safety measures having been written in the blood of previous mishaps. The emphasis of any air crash investigation is not who to blame, but how can a repeat of this accident be avoided.

[@johnnyforsyth7260]

I’ve been a tower controller for nearly 20 years now, eight CTOs around the country. I really feel for that controller because it was an operational error, and he has to re-live that moment over and over as it’s analyzed and picked apart by everybody and their grandma. The FAA is populated by multitudes of arm chair quarterbacks. “What you should have done is…” But more importantly, lives were at risk, and a mistake like that (at least for me) is hard to bounce back from. It’s a pretty big hit to your confidence. Of course he kept his head in the game and fought through the situation, a trait of true professional. All involved were experienced, professional, and courteous. Because of that, it ended well.

[@autohmae]

I've seen in amateur competitive cycling that if you had a severe crash, you will be careful and less effective for a while.

[@chelseamoore6074]

Plus as Kelsey noted, there's the TCAS, etc., to help prevent collisions as well.

[@GuyNamedSean]

I really understand how hard it is to shake the memories and stress about how bad it can be, but moments like this just show that the ATC operator is skilled enough to notice a mistake and resolve it quickly. There have been many operators in the past that didn't recognize mistakes fast enough.

[@TheTuttle99]

Man, yall ATC are some badass folks. I can't imagine the pressure

[@c.charleshackney7799]

I totally agree with The Tuttle 99 no room for human error yet we never hear about ✈️ disasters on their hands.

[@cmdreltonpoole6303]

Kelsey: "I fucked up a go around, I was slow and sloppy. I went left, when I should have gone right." Kudos to you sir. As you say, people are human. A little skill, a little luck, a little bravery, and we'll be fine.

[@Schvillhelm]

The warning you heard in the tower is a logic system built into the ASDE-X(ground radar), and it detects potential collisions and issues a warning. It doesn’t offer the controller solutions like TCAS, it just calls out a warning.

[@Cadence-qt2ux]

Runway35! Runway 9L! That warning can prevent the disaster?

[@Heckatomba]

​@@Cadence-qt2ux A RIMCAS (Runway Incursion Monitoring and Collision Avoidance System) system can call attention to when something is wrong and let the controllers handle it.

[@Schvillhelm]

@@Cadence-qt2ux yes. It draws all the attention of everyone in the tower to the conflict, including the controller that is plugged in, and apparently missed the conflict.

[@mvtv-montanavigilantetv5976]

I getting so clumsy in my old age I'm wondering if there were smaller models of a TCAS to strap to my forehead?

[@dethray1000]

@@mvtv-montanavigilantetv5976 i have a wife that slaps me in the head when on the wrong course

[@windwatcher11]

'People are human, people are human, people are not aliens (!) people are human.' This is why I love Kelsey❤

[@CP-mb7ly]

lol I love that you can see the annoyed look at himself when realizing what he says. I can relate so much 🤣

[@mapleext]

Me too!❤

[@74gear]

I forgot I left that edit in there haha

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

@@74gear It's okay, Kelsey. As a matter of fact, there's been a meme going around for more than a decade. I can't even remember anymore what show it's from exactly (it's old enough) but from a PROFESSIONAL Dubbing Service in Professional Media, they translated a line in a Japanese Animation as "People DIE when they are killed." AND IT MADE IT TO THE FULL RELEASE... right through PROFESSIONAL EDITORS and everybody... Yeah, it's worth a giggle or two. We ALL occasionally fizzle out somewhere in the bandwidth... Even the so-called "best of the best" in respected professions that deal with "this exact sort of thing" all the time... Silly things get through once in a while. ;o)

[@JoshWalker1]

@@gnarthdarkanen7464 This kills the human

[@announcer1980]

Hello, I am totally blind, and I love your channel. Even though I can’t see any of the visuals that you have, I am able to follow your channel because of your excellent narration and explanation of what is going on, along with the air traffic control audio. Keep up the excellent work, and I will keep checking out all of your videos.

[@ericmcgovern1764]

Kudos to both pilots, co-pilots, and ATC for working together and remaining calm while under distress. All parties handled this situation very well.

[@jimsteinway695]

ATC shouldn’t have let this to happen

[@e.k.izzle32]

​@@jimsteinway695correct. But the fact the situation DID happen, I guess he did a decent job at unfucking the situation lol

[@dougaltolan3017]

Yup, pilots cool af.

[@janemiettinen5176]

This sitch is underlining how lucky you all are, since Im an artist and have no business in the tower or cockpit. Youre welcome :)

[@alex2143]

​@@jimsteinway695 Sure. But he did. Don't act like you've never fucked up at your job. People make mistakes, and while this was a big one, he resolved it like a pro and no one got hurt. Two things can be true at the same time. Doesn't mean this shouldn't get looked into extensively, but the fact that he was so professional admitting his mistake and resolving the issue at hand makes me believe that he'll be alright.

[@bobwoods1302]

That Hollywood ATC saying "punch it" instead of "go around" gave me douche chills.

[@thatsaniceboulder1483]

That secondhand cringe.

[@Chrisandjack666]

Funnier thing is I think they were talking to the guys on the ground (as if they’re not already at take off thrust)

[@markmaki4460]

Yes i am impressed by the controller affirming multiple times that he was the one who screwed up. That was important not only for feelings but for safety in my opinion. And I have respect for real humility in such a narcissistic world. (For any who think humility is a bad thing, as i have found to be the case with increasing frequency, i suggest looking it up).

[@davegrundgeiger9063]

I would think that would greatly increase the safety in the moment, by reducing some stress in the flight deck.

[@jeromethiel4323]

Humility is a good trait to have. But i would argue that it's only the start. Being able to admit you made a mistake is fine. But what happens after? Introspection should happen after. Why did i make that mistake? Was it lack of knowledge? Lack of attention? Lack of giving a shit? Etc. Knowing WHY the mistake happened, should help you not make that same mistake in the future. Everyone makes mistakes. Wise people tend to only make that mistake once.

[@shaz8486]

@@jeromethiel4323 yes, but seriously you have to comprehend how STRESSFUL it is in ATC. I used to work at the international airport in Sydney way before ATC has become as busy as it is. We always had peak times with everything landing at once, and then everything taking off at once. We had the ATC giving us time updates, plus airlines, security, baggage carousels, departure and arrival boards plus the second a plane landed/l took off, nosed in, to the time they pushed back, had to be noted. It was extremely stressful…..and we weren’t the tower, the tower staff I knew a few personally and it was such a stressful job, that not everyone can pass the required skills to obtain a job there. You have to be on point 100% of the time. This controller who admitted it was his error, wouldn’t have had time to sit and reflect why where how, get real this job is non stop he would have been so damned busy he wouldn’t have had a minute to think about the why. He. Is.human. He admitted his mistake, (which is ALL recorded remember) in this field where not everyone is so nice polite and willing to admit a mistake. It’s one of those things, you have to be in a tower to realise just how crazy busy and stressful this job is. The fact that he apologised and went on with his job is enough, believe me he wouldn’t have time to do anything else. Their shifts are long, the last thing when they finish,is to try and wind down get some sleep, then back into it again in less than 12hrs. I admire his cool in an extremely stressful situation and his apology. Walk in their shoes.

[@terrylandess6072]

Issues can arise from admitting fault. While that is the first step in correcting problems, too many times we see a sacrificial lamb slaughtered to appease the masses up in arms over something that becomes 'news'. The reason I bring this up is an honest person generally admits fault and is the type of person one wants to employ, not a deceptive person whom doesn't take responsibility yet may have a better chance at remaining employed by 'pleading the 5th'. I wish it was different.

[@s2snider]

@@davegrundgeiger9063 Yes, neither flight crew is distracted by wondering if they made a mistake.

[@artysanmobile]

Always cop to your own mistake, immediately. The respect you get is incalculable.

[@rogerroger9952]

The fear in the controller's voice is palpable. So glad no one got hurt, but he probably went home that night and really re-evaluated his job because that must have been terrifying for all involved.

[@benjaminnevins5211]

The pilots handled this very professionally!

[@Loralanthalas]

Yeah, the guy letting ATC know he can see the traffic I heard as "calm down, it's ok, just tell us here from here"

[@kd5nrh]

Too bad they don't get to tell the controller they have a number for him to call...

[@ScrewFlanders]

@kd5nrh I would be very surprised if there isn't an analog to "pilot deviation" for ATCs. At the very least, I'm sure the ATC's supervisor had a talk with him after the ATC's shift was over, and it's likely that a report of the incident wound up in the ATC's personnel file.

[@74gear]

I thought so too!!

[@togacontrol6153]

@@ScrewFlanders it would have been reported and an FAA investigation into the incident

[@rotatingdiscohorsehead3143]

Im just thankful that the pilot and controller were forgiving of eachother instead of being angry at eachother like we’ve seen with some other cases. Its better to talk about it later than while to conflict is concurring.

[@jshumphress13]

My grandpa just passed this last week. He was ATC in Japan during the Korean War, and then worked his entire career as ATC at Indianapolis International. He loved his job and took it seriously until he retired about 25 years ago. He would always preach taking responsibility if you messed up. This one is for you Grandpa!

[@TroyCenter]

11:30 with the wing vortices was an amazing shot.

[@mk88200]

That ATC alarm system is the ASDE, before the controller keys up it would've said "WARNING" then we heard, "RWY 35, RWY 9L CONVERGING" if a departing aircraft was departing an occupied runway "converging" would be replaced with "occupied" same runway with an arrival and an occupied runway replace "converging" with "go around". The reason crossing runways doesnt say go around is because every scenario is so different, that a go around may not be the best course of action.

[@chrisr8996]

11:15 Best piece of advice I got over the years is the mindset on final approach. It shouldn't be: "We're ready for landing" but "We're ready for go-around", where you treat the landing as a welcome possibility but otherwise have the mindset that you might go-around until proven unnecessary by actual touchdown. Prevents a task overload or startle situation quite successfully.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Sounds like the aviation version of defensive driving! Very sensible 😊

[@dennislink7957]

As a Paramedic that worked in a very high crime and violence area we were always taught and always practiced constantly looking for an escape route, on a subconscious level, so when things went bad we were ready for it. Training and thinking ahead is what makes a true professional like everyone in this video.

[@Elizabeth-ux5kd]

I love that you can explain it in a way that makes to me, a non aviation inclined person, can understand. Always appreciate it!

[@74gear]

glad you enjoyed it. I figure if I can understand it just about anyone can Elizabeth.

[@LokiDWolf]

Agreed! I'm into flight material but, like you, it's because of this channel I was willing to look into things more and more.

[@donchaput8278]

Admitting fault can be such an important thing for yourself and others. Embrace mistakes so you can learn and teach others.

[@JohnDlugosz]

Go-around's are rare: That depends on the airport. Some are plagued with wind sheer across the runway. Flying into Cincinnati one time, we had to go-around repeatedly and the flight attendants were passing out replacement air-sick bags until they ran out.

[@markabb1]

Nice job Kelsey with this video. I was a controller for 35 years. When I retired I got a job flying Falcon 50 and Falcon 900 part 135 so I have seen it from both sides. The professionalism demonstrated by all concerned was great. I am especially impressed with the controller keeping his composure and working the problem. That is super hard to do. It’s natural to become rattled and the adrenaline starts pumping your mouth goes dry and your hands shake when you know you just had a serious “deal” aka operational error. Like you said, he’s only human. Trust me, that controller was amazing. When one of the pilots said to the controller “have a good day” upon being switched to departure, I couldn’t help thinking “that’s not going to happen”. The controllers next stop is the air traffic manager’s office.

[@74gear]

ya I would like to see something where airline pilots go spend more time with ATC as part of recurrent every 3 or 5 years spend a day in different sectors and controllers to spend more time with pilots on headset would be great too. BUT don't see that coming anytime soon

[@markabb1]

@@74gear Thank you for your reply. Through most of my FAA career we had the FAM or familiarization training program where controllers got up to 8 jumpseat rides per year. That went away after 9/11. Controllers got to see what goes on in the flight deck, and we got a free ride to wherever we wanted. They have a new program now that is so restrictive that nobody uses it.

[@markabb1]

@@74gear What I thought should be done in addition to bringing back the old FAM program would be a program where airlines would send their pilots for a day in a tower, another day in a TRACON, and a day in a center. They would be given a headset and “plug in” with a controller to watch and listen while the controller explains what is going on. Each type of facility is very different and they even have different separation standards.

[@markabb1]

@@74gear So, yes, you are absolutely right about adding ATC visits to recurrent training and even to initial.

[@darkdelta]

Yeah, it wasn't the controllers first rodeo.

[@TomYouAreDoingItWrong]

My only experience with ATC is taking the test in 1986 (following the PATCO fiasco) and failing miserably. Probably a good thing. I really like the idea of runway clearance lights. I wonder if there are two controllers (at a busier airport), one handling communication and the other handling runway clearances whether the latter could input clearances into a computer which would then set the departure lights accordingly. It seems like with AI becoming more prevalent that such a system combined with human, GPS, transponder, TCAS, etc., ATC will reach a point where this will no longer be an issue. We can send a probe to Pluto, we ought to be able to keep airplanes apart. Says the retired Locomotive Engineer who wonders why we still crash trains together...

[@Kaenguruu]

To be honest, that is something I've never quite understood. Like, trains are confined to their rails (mostly I guess if you do your best to change that) and apart from fires or similar, collisions shouldn't even be a possibility anymore. Why isn't there an auto-break system with GPS or whatever or a Train-TCAS or similar? (I'm assuming there actually are mechanisms like this but I think it might not be enough)

[@TomYouAreDoingItWrong]

@@Kaenguruu we now have Positive Train Separation (PTS) technology, but it is not as prevalent as the railroads and the Federal Railroad Administration would like Congress and the public to believe. For example, I worked for Union Pacific (UP) in Seattle, Washington, and operated to Portland, Oregon and return. 140 mile of my 180-mile run was over the BNSF Railway, for a short stretch in Seattle, and the rest between Tacoma and Vancouver, Washington. UP's PTS system is incompatible with the BNSF system, thus if I fall asleep and blow through a red signal, there is no PTS to prevent me from doing that. Congress failed to mandate a single system that could allow for interface between all railroads. "Follow the money." - Deep Throat

[@markdebreet4173]

Hi Kelsey, how I like to see your video's. Can't get enough of it. You are so analistic and so independent. And what is more so professional. You are so open and honest about your own particular situations and even mistakes, but as far I can see/find you do not make a video about that kind of situations. Please tell me if I am wrong. I am just a layman, but more than average interested in your video's. Whatever, I am not a pilot, but I fly regularly. People tell me why do you like to see al those mistakes and misunderstandings or faulty maintenance etc. etc. And you know what: you show me how the aviation is organised and how safe this business became in decades. Hope you go on with your video's. I keep on seeing them, just to feel safe to step in to an airplane again. How I wish I would join a flight in which you are my pilot. Thanks Kelsey. Hope to hear from you about my question. Thanks a lot!! Mark de Breet / from the Netherlands, living in Malta at this moment

[@maskettaman1488]

The most amazing feat these pilots and control operators perform is understanding what is being said over these radios. If I close my eyes and don't read the captions, I can't make out a single word. Thanks for another great video

[@CooperAviator]

Kelsey - I know you get a zillion responses to your videos but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy them. I'm an instrument rated pilot with an Arrow IV and your channel is one that I always look forward to seeing. Thanks for making the effort to create these on top of an already demanding job.

[@JeremyEllwood]

I'm an extended student (had to stop training shortly after solo due to life circumstances - but planning on resuming by 2024 at the latest). I totally agree. I love Kelsey's explanations and experience thrown into it. Even though I'll only be flying GA, usually local out of a small corn field airport, this all matters and helps me understand better going forward. Absolutely love these vids.

[@shekko4444]

Pilots did a great job, ATC recovered from his error fantastically, Kelsey made another wonderful video. Things are just great all around!

[@erwinschmidt7265]

Wawa Ont. '75, settling with Beaver to Air Service in dense 0/0 fog, Service Owner had to fight War Dept at home, so even though Handlers yelled, "Not Clear Boss", he didn't give sht as needed to win argument. From rt seat I jumped pointing out windshield yelling, "Mountain There"! Pilot about 45 pissed pants, said, "Take it", coaxed every HP from Beaver, I said, "Buddy...straight up, w/cliff face at bottom of pontoons"! That was 1st Pilot had seen it, so followed straight up until 180 to escape, slaloming trees on downside. Pilot said 1st time with vertigo, & seein' I had few lessons said, "Land 'er for me Buddy". I did best I could, Pilot just sat there head bobbin', so taxied to dock & found out he couldn't even walk. Mounties had been monitoring fiasco on radio from Post on other side of lake, showing up unamused. They jerked Owner's Cert calling Competitor to run it until he learned not to fight with Wife. Month later Pilot phoned that Owner got his Air Service back, and we were invited for lifetime free in/out service. I considered that a threat, so we never went back!! And example is just with 1 aircraft out of 1 to handle! Imagine if they had to handle 2 planes!!!

[@xD-ui5mt]

One of the things that i am most impressed with when it comes to flying is not the flying it self, it is receiving all the information from ATC and processing it in an instant. I get that you are trained for it and it is probably not a huge deal, but for me as a dream flyer it is very impressing!

[@teresareichek6000]

I'm constantly amazed at how calm ATC and the pilots are or sound even when something major is going down.

[@hralph1]

As a non-pilot, it really seems like everyone talks so fast...I guess with experience, the rapidity becomes understandable...great job explaining things, Kelsey!

[@Ylyrra]

I can't speak for pilots, but in plenty of other field you get people familiar with the concepts talking at great pace because the listener doesn't need to figure out what you're saying, they only need to recognise which of the limited set of possibilities you're saying. You know they're saying "left" before they finish saying "le" because the only other thing they'd say is "right", so you don't need to mentally process the full word, your brain is ready to hear the next word already.

[@hralph1]

@@Ylyrra I agree. It seems that pilot comms is so cryptic and terse already...but like you said, with experience, it is understandable.

[@Geronimo2Fly]

Exactly what I was thinking. If it weren't for the words on the screen, I would have no idea what they were saying. As you said, I'm sure it comes with experience, but I have to wonder if any misunderstandings have ever happened due to how fast they talk, especially with crews whose first language isn't English.

[@HalfShelli]

It's also Philadelphia, so there's that.

[@wallacegrommet9343]

People in the Northeast talk fast, especially in NY

[@louiszierlein5814]

This is my most favorite video you have ever posted. EVERY ONE was so professional. This doesn't happen very often.

[@Dave_McKansas]

I appreciating these videos where you can hear a story and question the people, but to hear it at Real Time speed how quickly things are understood and reacted to is impressive. The Controller appears to have a busy "To Do List" and his brain told him that Bluestreak is done. It's also impressive that before the alarm is finished he is already separating the airplanes. Did he slip up? Yes. Did he handle it? Yes. Are the planes and passengers safe? HELL YES! That's a victory for ATC.

[@cremebrulee4759]

Great that hev immediately took responsibility and made it clear that it was his fault.

[@daveh2612]

Kelsey you do a damn good job of explaining this to us laypeople. It’s nice to know so many layers of systems exist to prevent collisions and it’s also great to see the professionalism between pilots and ATC.

[@alexateachey9680]

When I began working in the service industry (especially restaurants), the biggest lesson I learned was accountability. If you f*** up, own it, and learn from it. You will never learn if you don’t f*** up. That can be the greatest lesson in life

[@rallyfanmx]

There’s one more thing: the controller realizes that after calling for one plane to go around, and the other to stay at 1000’, he actually told them to turn into each other. He told the go-around guy to turn right, and the other one to turn left, which would bring them back into each other’s path. He realizes this and corrects immediately

[@henrydenner5448]

I also liked that the Controller took Accountability for the mistake. But I was really intrigued to hear you talk about your experience with your go-around. It just shows us that we as humans, although we are trained for anomalies in our work life, and in the back of our heads we think about how we would handle them, the real test comes when the anomaly hits. I love that you were open and honest about it to us as your viewers. I have always loved your authenticity, Kelsey, and this is a great example of that. Respect!

[@JaLa248]

I Agree, he’s So Educational!!! I’m going to be watching everything more closely next time I Fly!! 😊😊😊

[@kmg501]

Acknowledging self error is such an incredibly important thing for humans. It instantly wipes the slate clean in a crisis situation and allows job focus. We can all discuss what happened afterward but in the heat of the moment we need every single bit of mental processing power we possess. That controller was stellar in his recovery.

[@larry_ellison]

Absolutely critical that mistakes are acknowledged and learned from. We can never avoid human error completely, but we can design systems around the error to correct and inform

[@thomaslubben8559]

I had ATC clear me into an impending collision at KENW. I was cleared for a 1 mile left base to a 1 mile final, and then he cleared a similar plane for a 2 mile final. Yup, 2 miles for each of us to the threshold. I saw it coming, (very clear day) and knew the other pilot too. I told tower I would do a 360 for spacing. Tower blew up and screamed at me to never do anything without permission. Then proceeded to put me in aright downwind, against traffic. I left the area. When I returned, he again cleared me and another plane on converging 4 mile finals. We were a half mile off each other's wing.. Again I knew this pilot too, and I told him to go ahead while I did slow flight. When I landed I told the tower to give ME a number to call. Quite opposite to how that usually works out. Both me and the second pilot requested the tapes be saved. We ended up discussing it in person with the tower manager, and didn't go further up.

[@ethana763]

Controllers can use anticipated separation AND same runway separation in many circumstances. I assume you are a little guy so you and another airplane can be ON the runway at the SAME time with as little as 3,000' between you.

[@thomaslubben8559]

@@ethana763 on a 4500 foot runway, that wasn't the plan. The controller just screwed up twice. He actually left shortly after this. We were on good terms with most of the tower personnel. So this isn't tower bashing. We were used to tight clearances. But not simultaneous arrivals at the threshold. Other controllers would clear us tightly in busy times, and we all worked well together.

[@HalfShelli]

@@thomaslubben8559 In your opinion, did the controller *really* make the same mistake twice in a row, or do you think maybe he got his panties in a bunch the first time (because of you "doing something without permission"? geeeez!), and when you came back, he was still holding on to his wounded pride and just wanted to bust your balls? If there's one profession in which an overinflated ego and the tendency to hold grudges are a colossally bad idea, it's air traffic control!

[@annebeard2362]

I swear I wasn't really that interested in aviation. But you showed up on KZbin and I have been binge watching all weekend. You make it all very interesting and I love the way you explain things for aviators and non aviators alike. Totally sucked me in! I wish you wouldn't say you're not that smart, simply because you really ARE very smart!

[@rhennaostrander5910]

Enjoyed the video. Thank you for telling us that you almost made a mistake, it shows how truthful you are. Like you said we're humans not aliens. Stay safe.

[@nakfan]

Yeah, I really liked that too 👍

[@arinerm1331]

Absolutely! No one is perfect; for example, I thought I made a mistake once, but I was wrong!

[@74gear]

humans are not aliens, keep having to remind myself of that!

[@arinerm1331]

@@74gear Speak for yourself! 😄

[@greengrendel]

@@74gear probably a good thing, weren't aliens always crashing their crafts in some US desert? :P

[@BigHeadTech]

The best learning situations are like these, where it's a wakeup call and no one was hurt. Glad the ATC was able to fix the situation swiftly and explained what happened and why.

[@The_Dudester]

So, this happened 33 years ago, on a Sunday, in a small town. I'm working police dispatch. I get a call from the small airport five miles out of town. ATC person told me there had been a ground collision between a plane taking off and a van on the runway (more on that later). ATC tells me that the vehicle coming into town has multiple victims. I immediately told the officers on duty to be aware of said vehicle. No sooner do I do that, phone rings. Security guard at state hospital tells me that he just turned away a van with multiple victims and that they most likely will head for the urgent care clinic in town. I immediately tell the cops to head towards the urgent care clinic code 3 (lights and sirens). I also activate the EMT's in town and tell them to stand by. As soon as I do that, the alarm company calls me and tells me that someone is trying to force open the door at the (closed on Sunday) urgent care clinic. The cops were still wolfing down candy bars at the Chevron gas station and were "Huh? What?" I update the EMT's and tell them to go to the urgent care clinic. Since the urgent care and fire station are only a block apart, the EMT's call me first, tell me to call in off duty EMT's and to call Life Flight because there are six victims in a van, all in critical condition. I follow up and the next ten minutes are a blur. Eventually, the cops get to the parking lot of the urgent care and are still behind the learning curve. The EMT's try to press them into service to help them, but the (very lazy) police sergeant calls me and tells me that his first aid certification has lapsed (he won't help) and the officer with him feels the same way. I tell them to just block off the entrances to the parking lot (except for incoming EMT's) because I have two helicopters coming in (ETA, about 20 minutes). Helicopters end up taking 4 of the 6 victims and the other two rode in an ambulance. Explanations: 1) The van that ran onto the runway was driven by the airport owner (his teen son was also in the van). There was a rent dispute between the airport owner and pilot. 2) The state hospital was only for convalescent care and was not equipped for emergencies of any sort.

[@Eternal_Tech]

Wild story! If the airport owner used the van in an attempt to prevent the pilot from taking off due to the rent dispute, then I hope that once the airport owner was released from the hospital, he was prosecuted for attempted murder of the pilot and those in the van. In addition, I hope that the pilot now owns the airport.

[@Fay7666]

What a clusterf... you'd imagine that even small town cops would see 6 people critical and at least y'know, _do something._ And holy shit that airport owner was crazy if he ever thought that was a good idea.

[@Tiisiphone]

Phew! I couldn't be an ATC. No way I could handle this kind of pressure.

[@itsnotme07]

One thing I enjoy about your videos Kelsey is that if/when you have a "situation", you talk about it and explain it, what you did, what you could have done, what you SHOULD have done....not many people would do that about their mistakes or maybe not best days.

[@larrybethune3909]

6:15 "275, 24.35, 5610". Absolutely priceless tone of voice from the cockpit on that radio transmission.

[@sumikomei]

These are always so cool to listen to, and I love the composure of everyone and the dignity of the controller to make sure they knew it was his own mistake.

[@davegrundgeiger9063]

I love starting my Sunday mornings with 74 Gear.

[@gabrielzeifman]

Hey Kelsey! Two controller notes here. You’re correct in identifying the voice as a “controller TCAS”. In this case it’s the ADSE-X (ground radar system) and that’s the reason we use transponders with mode C/S active on the ground at airports equipped with the system. In airborne ops the systems will also indicate a traffic conflict with beeping and a visual cue (in terminal the tag gets a red CA, in enroute the tag flashes) and for a GPWS type alert the noise is similar except the terminal tag gets a red LA and the enroute tag gets an MSAW (minimum safe altitude warning). I also thought it’s worth noting, intersecting runway operations are entirely legal in the US, but of course there’s a separation standard. Similar to having multiple aircraft cleared to land on the same runway, you may anticipate the separation. In this case the departure must be through the intersection prior to the arrival crossing the threshold. But I agree, situational awareness is key, but it’s entirely possible for a situation like this to work. Clearly in this case however the spacing was misjudged.

[@AJosephCurr]

To communicate with the layman, it is important to define all terms eg C/S active. I'm guessing it doesn't refer to French sex! Maybe a pilot would know. I've avoided having to work for more decades than most have been alive by doing a little writing which can fit in one file folder. I wrote business letters. They opened the doors of the largest corporations in the world and my partners could only take advantage of the low hanging fruit. A six page letter never went out until it fit on one page. Defining terms can be important to the one who writes anything if it is important at the time. Here is where it isn't, but it can be a learning moment for one who is working on getting better. Then again, my first guess might have been right.

[@lyaneris]

@@AJosephCurr No need for the paragraph (no 1 skill in business English is keeping texts short and consive ;) ). Basically C = reports altitude, S = C + reports callsign. - If you searched for "transponders with mode C/S" you probably would have found something. Also CA = cleared altitude, GPWS = ground proximity warning system, LA = low altitude

[@mychaldbeausoleil3043]

Glad they all got that sticky wicket untangled safely! Hope FAA gets more energetic on improving ALL airports not just the big ones.. ✈✈🛩🛩🚁🚁

[@teytreet7358]

Gotta say, the pilots handled the situation like a champ.

[@irishpsalteri]

Dad always said, 'doesn’t cost you anything to say you're wrong'. Good on the ATC for taking his own heat. Great vid.

[@Boss_Tanaka]

Kelsey you have a great life, you have a great job many people would kill to be in your shoes. That doesn’t keep you from being so humble. You’re better than most people i know. Not because you’re a 747 pilot as great as it is but because your feet are always touching the ground. Don’t take all the blame for a mistake the entire crew made. ❤❤❤

[@staggertobed]

Used to fly into PHL a lot: 1) Was landing on Runway 35.. wheels about to touch.. when suddenly the engines ramp up and we take off again. Pilot came on and said we had to go around because we were on a "convergent course" with another plane (landing on 9L) Sounds a lot like this situation. (And my friend on the correct side of the plane actually SAW the other plane heading down the runway toward us.. and said nothing. Talk about stoic.) 2) Coming from Miami with a nervous flyer in the window seat... very bumpy flight.. but when landing I told her, "No worries.. we will break out of these clouds about 300 feet off the ground (like all the times before) ... Any minute now... Any minute... BAM... we hit the runway.. and could barely see the blue edge light flying by. We never broke out of the fog... She looked at me and I said, "Welcome to Philadelphia!!" - Found out that the airport was closed and we were the last flight to land there for hours... guess they didn't want to go to a alternate airport.

[@davidp2888]

I learn something from you every time I watch your videos. I appreciate your work, Kelsey.

[@WilliamsWings]

Thanks for your honestly about not being perfect. It makes us pilots feel normal not "terrible". Things happen, we learn and try to do it better next time. 100 hour pilot here

[@deonmurphy6383]

In the early 90’s I and a compatriot were returning from Phoenix to Las Vegas. As we were on final approach, and I believe had crossed the end of the runway, we suddenly went to full power and broke right as we climbed. My compatriot who was sitting ahead and on the left said another plane was taking off and did a hard left as soon as it got off the ground. Certainly not an experience I will forget, nor want to repeat.

[@saulgood6313]

Would REALLY love to watch Kelsey dissect the Breaking Bad episode where Jane’s Dad (who is air traffic control) controlling two planes into a mid air collision that kills everyone aboard.

[@sveinfarstad3897]

This is professionally handeling after a mistake made, Fantastic! and thanks Kelsey to made this video for us!

[@barbarachambers7974]

I just read about a situation where a plane aborted because 4 planes were cleared to cross an active runway. It highlights the challenges ATC have in dealing with all these planes.

[@___Brandon___]

The turn without a heading reminds me of EVA015 out of KLAX 6 years ago and the controller yelling "turn southbound".

[@SaiakuNaSenshu]

I've been away awhile and I missed it but congrats on 1 million

[@dtwdjags8647]

The "ATC TCAS" you were talking about here is the safety logic associated with ASDE or surface movement radar. The bigger busier airports have this system.

[@dtwdjags8647]

By the way, I love the way you break down your go around and are critical of your response. That's what a safety culture sounds like. I'll keep it in mind that when we make mistakes on our end of the radio to let the pilots know it is on us. I had never thought too much about it.

[@dennisrichardson9291]

I enjoy watching these clips for no other reason than I’m fascinated by aviation. Flew as a camera operator for a few TV news helicopter outfits, in and out of both small and major airspace. One pilot in particular I grew to have tremendous respect for. He was laser focused yet relaxed if that makes any sense. He once said “if you see something that doesn’t look right, tell me?” Loved that about him, humble not cocky. End of the day - we’re all in this together …

[@petergriffin7671]

"People are human" - Kelsey (747 pilot) 2023. 😅 Great content as always mate 👍 👌.

[@ricklowers8873]

Yeah, over my 33 year career I think I could count on one hand (with 4 fingers amputated) how many times a go around went smoothly😖. Most of the time they are totally messed up. It’s VERY hard for the brain to transition flight phases like that! From concentrating on landing…to reconfiguration for continued flight. The initial “go-around, flaps __ goes ok. Then the call outs just kinda fall apart. Mostly because in the sim we know what’s coming…in the real world ATC starts barking all kind of instructions (interrupting our calls/actions) which really adds to our workload. That said, the process always works out; thanks to everyone’s training & professionalism. Great report today! Made me think of something as I transition from line flying to sim instructor just before I hit the magic 65 the end of the month…maybe we need to include more distractions for crew members when we train go-around procedures…make it more realistic. For training mind you, NOT checking events‼️🤣🤣

[@bretharrell9795]

So one thing I've been wondering about with all the recent public mistakes by pilots and ATC - what are the ramifications for a pilots or controllers career after a mistake like this? For example, if you take off without clearance (like the call sign mixup a few weeks ago) are you done as a commercial pilot? I would really like to know in a general sense what happens after a serious mistake - both for a controller or a pilot.

[@jazzi_0453]

As long as you don't get anyone killed it's most likely not the end of your carreer. In aviation there's a system in place called "just culture" which encourages reporting mistakes and incidents without fear of severe punishment to be able to analyze those mistakes and to make things safer over time.

[@tomriley5790]

Kudos for ATC and the pilots for handling it so well. Really good that the ground radar picked it up and warned the controller. I'm not sure TCAS works when a plane is on the ground, unless I'm mistaken it's inhibited. Traffic in sight I think does help the controller I think - along the lines of "we know what's going on and the mess - but we've got the guy visually and we're not going to hit him".

[@nakfan]

One of the most important videos that you have made, Kelsey 👍 Thank you so much.

[@ssnerd583]

The sphincter pucker factor was likely right up there at the tippy top of the charts on that one.....oi. Kudos to the controller for his quick admission of fault and to the pilots for keeping this from being anything more than it was.....

[@Kjtravels40]

Kelsey, I always appreciate your honesty and candid approach. I mean yeah, people are humans 😉 Agreed! 😂

[@marksanders768]

4:00 - As usual, Kelsey, your explanations and straightforward illustrations are spot on. Excellent job breaking it all down.

[@peggyh8937]

I never would have grasped all that without your excellent analysis. Thanks, Kelsey! Great content!

[@MindiB]

I love that, in addition to your extensive knowledge of aviation, you add an awareness of psychology-how human cognition and emotion interact with the functional component of these events! Truly a comprehensive viewpoint.

[@tyd4435]

I’ve never performed more S-turn’s and go-around’s at any other airport than the intersecting runway operations at PHL.

[@Halli50]

A touch of class when the controller immediately let the pilots know he was at fault. The crews of both aircraft could then concentrate on resolving the situation instead of being distracted by the classic "did I do something wrong?" worry. Errare humanum est - making mistakes is human, but how you handle them when they invariably happen is what REALLY counts!

[@larrylong6268]

I really appreciate your videos, I learn something new every time I watch. You are very good at what you do, a national treasure.

[@jonned32]

As a maintenance controller for a major airline and starting out as a maintenance controller for a regional (also a pilot). I remember when TCAS first came out and started to be installed on the aircraft. Our avionics team had to do certain tests on the plane which involved using pitot/static test sets and pumping the plane up to certain altitudes to verify the system. Welp, when the system was new, it was a learning curve for both the pilots and mechanics. Maintenance started setting off TCAS alerts for aircraft flying over mid-field when we were testing and ATC was none to happy about that.... We finally started installing covers over the transponder antennas to limit the transmitting signal....I still think about that to this day.

[@homomorphic]

At the airstrips that I frequent, RNAV is extremely common (it is the only option for any kind of an automated approach).

[@darrenharband4072]

Recognizing and admitting the mistake would have taken a lot of guts. The controller has my respect.

[@konstantinodnoralov1766]

These videos become better and better :) Thanks Kelsey.

[@theopinionisthighqualityopinio]

This kind of thing can be scary as hell for the passengers. I've STILL not forgotten the Iberia flight I took in 1978, from Madrid to Kennedy. The plane was already over the runway and about 50 feet in altitude, if that, (no joke!), just about to touch the ground at any second, when the engines revved at full force and we took off again and circled out over the ocean until a normal landing was made, almost a half hour later! We passengers were scared out of our minds!! No explanation or semi-explanation was given so, talking amongst ourselves, we came up with the worst scenarios!! Thanks for all of the great videos!! 🙂

[@Misteribel]

Ideal watching this while I’m boarding my flight 😂

[@hiddenInsight486]

Some of the newer ATC systems have runway collision alerts, they are based on a combination of ground radar and air radar and they watch for runway conflicts just like this, The ones I've seen would give a warning if the plane on 9 started to move while watching the other plane come in to land, and then escalate it's audible warning as things progress, Like TCAS in a plane telling you to descend, then keep descending or decend faster

[@rynovoski]

Before the second plane gets on the ground?

[@hiddenInsight486]

@@rynovoski i believe the newest systems can, yes

[@crossthreadaeroindustries8554]

I had a controller get a bunch of small SEL planes out of sequence at ROC on a busy Saturday morning for flight training. It was very unnerving when I realized not all was well. I wish mixups never occur, but because they do, I am glad I experienced one so I am doubly alert at all times, but in approach/tower/ground control. I landed and tied the plane down, forget flying any more that day. The other plane ahead of me was an instructor and student, and it took talking to him on the walk in to understand I wasn't wrong, there really was a tower mixup with the order of us planes, I wasn't imagining it. Until then I had never had reason to, let's say, trust but verify a controller's word. Keep a picture of what's going on, in your head. Second to that was something else you mentioned. I was doing a simulated engine-out landing with an instructor in a rural area over an everyday farmer's field, nothing extraordinary. We go down to about 30 feet and this huge blast - this was a super calm day - lifted the left wing and gave us about a 60 degree bank instantaneously. The instructor grabbed the controls and got us out of there. Lesson learned - never take anything for granted when in the cockpit. I had probably 6-7 real-world lessons like that I could name during my 200 or so hours of total time flying. I hope to get back in the cockpit soon.

[@jamesalsante2388]

This is a demonstration of the system working. There will always be Human Error as long as there are any. ATC realized his mistake and, as a well trained pro, took responcibility for it, and straightened it out immediately. The first go-around pilot didn't seem to fully grasp the import of the situation at first, but the second pilot was fully aware😅. Exellence on display all around. Sorry for that ATC guy, he prolly wore a lil' butt whoopin' off of this incident. He had to log this and report himself.

[@phileas816]

Kelsey, I must say your style and videos are so awesome. You're such a humble person, I admire your professionalism and knowledge and your ability to explain aviation complex situations with such clarity a 4yo would understand it (well you get the idea). Kudos and full respect to you.

[@rbhoward9123]

Thanks for this detailed video! I witnessed a close incident at KBWI several months ago. I never saw anything on vasaviation or the others. I wondered what was said at ATC

[@cyndymalouf1638]

I Love watching your channel!!! Having flown with my Dad who was a flight instructor... this always fascinates me. I'll never forget the time one of his female students on a solo flight came in crying because of her interaction with ATC. She had gotten confused and it totally unnerved her. My Dad was so gentle and reassuring. Also, the tradition of cutting the back out of the new pilots shirt after their first solo😅

[@arkansasoutpost]

I've always wondered if something like this happened when I was a passenger on a flight into Dallas years ago. The plane was turning to the right, then it suddenly banked hard to the left. Probably not as steep a bank as it felt, but it felt pretty steep. Then it went back hard to the right, leveled off, and finally went back into its right turn. Normal flying, or an evasive maneuver? I guess I'll never know.

[@HalfShelli]

I'm not familiar with the Dallas approaches, but there are some urban airports that have very strict noise abatement measures that require some fancy steering. In particular, KDCA (Reagan National in Washington, DC) is surrounded not only by very affluent and vocal residential neighborhoods who want their peace and quiet, but also by *multiple* no-fly zones for military installations (including the Pentagon), Capitol Hill, the White House, etc. The resulting departures (ever-evolving compromises that nobody is ever totally happy with) are certainly a whirligig of fun: almost as soon as the aircraft has rotated, you're banking wildly (and steeply), back and forth to stay over the center of the Potomac River, which is a pretty narrow, very twisty little river. From the ground, it's still actually pretty loud, which is a good reminder for me that my domicile under one of the most commonly-used approach paths into *Dulles* is downright serene by comparison!

[@arkansasoutpost]

@@HalfShelli I looked up some stuff about KDCA, and it sounds like a very complicated place to fly in and out of. I don't know if something like that caused the maneuvering on that one flight into Dallas. I just remember it seemed like a lot harder maneuvering than I'd ever felt on a commercial flight.

[@SteveMasonCanada]

Love that you gave respect to ATC for owning it. I know about 1/100 of sweet F A about aviation. What I do know comes from listening to comms, and a few right-seat Cessna flights. Love your videos. Explained well enough for us no-knowledge people to understand, but still not sounding dumbed-down for the masses. Keep 'em coming!

[@laurenmartinez4646]

Good morning Kelsey!!! I hope you are doing well. Love the video. Keep up the great work.

[@TheRealNVT]

Excellent profession presentation Kelsey - always a pleasure to hear your make. Thank you

[@Andrew-nw4np]

Sitting at a resort, by the pool, in Mexico right now. Still making sure I don’t miss the 74Gear weekly video!

[@love2fly558]

Very professional on all parties. One pilot calling “traffic in sight” to relief both ATC and the other pilot, and ATC admitting fault to relief both pilots. Also, many RNAV approaches are already getting down to 200’ AGL with LPV minimums.

[@scriptkiddie4240]

Nice video :) Thank you for posting them every week

[@Muck006]

5:00 "Just" is not a time of "a few seconds" ... there was an example from Frankfurt, where a plane on takeoff couldnt get off the ground at first because of WAKE TURBULENCE from a plane that had landed perpendicular to its runway about a minute earlier. [They had to put the nose down again and accelerate some more before being able to get airborne and they had been warned of the wake turbulence by the ATC.]

[@loriw2661]

I’m not a pilot or an ATC person but I also thought the controller did a great job fixing the mess-up. ✈️